Community Relations Commission

APPROVED MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS December 6, 2012 The meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m., in the Civic Room, at the Northbrook Public Library, by Chair Ray Wehr. Members Present: Nafisa Choudhury, Bruce Doughty, Scott Gertz, Linda Goldsher, Sue Huang, Kamyar Jabbari, Chris Kosla, Robert Lozaro, Ron Mantegna, Nancy Stoddard, and Chair Wehr. Excused Members: Dale Duda, James Hyun, and Rochelle Singer. Also Present: Liaison Kendal Maltas and Recording Secretary LeeAnn Artstein. Welcome Chair Wehr welcomed everyone to the meeting. Approval of the November 1, 2012 CRC Meeting Minutes Member Gertz moved, seconded by Member Lozaro, to approve the minutes of the November 1, 2012 meeting, with the following revisions: Page 1- Trivia Night Review – 1st paragraph, 5th sentence, strike “with the majority being senior citizens.” and the last paragraph, strike “Member Wehr” and replace with “Chair Wehr.” On voice vote, the revised minutes were approved. Senior Services/CRC Sub-Committee Resolution Chair Wehr reported that SSC Liaison Phil Kiraly is working on the resolution package. The resolution will be presented to the Board at the Village Board Meeting on January 8, 2013. NCRC Award Planning In Member Singer’s absence, Liaison Maltas reported that Member Singer had updated all the award materials to reflect the new year. The materials were given to Village Communications Mgr. Cheryl Fayne-dePersio for publication in the January Village newsletter and to Liaison Maltas to put on the Village website. A direct mailing will go out the first week in January. All CRC members are encouraged to solicit nominations for the award. Black History Month Planning In Member Singer’s absence, Member Mantegna reported on the progress of the event. He stated that he and Member Duda are part of Member Singer’s subcommittee. At the upcoming January meeting, Member Singer will have an update of the event, which is entitled, “The Black Experience in Chicago’s North Suburbs.” The event will be a panel discussion consisting of five panelists, who will each give a brief presentation followed by an interactive discussion with the audience. The venue and date that were mentioned at last month’s meeting were changed due to a scheduling conflict at the Library. The venue has been changed to the North Suburban YMCA, and will be held on Wed., Feb. 13, 2013, 7 pm – 8:30 pm. The Y may do some publicity for the event. The Library has also offered to help publicize the event. For all future CRC events, the CRC wants to make it clear to participating venues and groups that the CRC is the sole sponsor of such events. Northbrook Clergy Luncheon Review Member Goldsher reported that the clergy luncheon held on Dec. 5, at the Village Hall, went very well. Guest speakers Village President Sandy Frum, Development, Bldg. & Planning Dir. Tom Poupard, Assistant Village Mgr. Phil Kiraly, and Police Chief Charles Wernick gave presentations on various topics, including the current state of the economy in Northbrook, new housing, senior citizen concerns, and police tips for protecting personal belongings during the holiday season. Chair Wehr thanked Member Goldsher for coordinating the luncheon and Liaison Maltas for doing an outstanding job with her first CRC event. Chair Wehr was pleased with the support that the CRC commissioners showed by attending the luncheon. Chair Wehr reminded everyone of the Clergy Association’s dynamics for covering their meeting agenda. The clergy waits until the conclusion of the presentation to ask questions. Women’s History Month Member Duda was not present at tonight’s meeting. She provided Chair Wehr with information concerning Women’s History Month. The Glenview League of Women Voters will be celebrating 100 years of women’s right to vote. They will be hosting a movie, “Iron Jawed Angels” at the Glenview Public Library on March 3, 2013 to celebrate Women’s History Month. They would like to know if the Northbrook CRC would be willing to collaborate with them on this event. A discussion followed as to the nature of the collaboration and working with this group. The CRC is definitely interested in pursuing this collaboration on an exploratory basis, but would not give a commitment at this time. This program should be explored further and a report should be brought to the January meeting at which time an informed decision could be made. If Member Dale would be willing to spearhead the event for us, she would need a couple of CRC members to help her. Liaison Maltas will contact Member Duda to let her know what was discussed tonight. The event will be put on the January agenda. News from Clergy Association and Houses of Worship a. Thanksgiving Service Review The Community Thanksgiving Celebration was held at Congregation Beth Shalom on Nov., 21, 2012. Member Goldsher reported that the service went very well. Many Northbrook clergy participated in the service. There were a couple hundred people in attendance. Those in attendance found it very uplifting. Chair Wehr and his daughter Ramsay found the service to be an incredible experience. People were able to attend a Jewish Temple the day after a peace accord was signed in the Middle East and were able to watch Iman Amir Caus as he chanted from the Koran on a Jewish altar. They listened to Village Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Mike Nevling as he gave the message that celebrated all the different religious groups in Northbrook. Chair Wehr noted that the audience showed a great deal of respect for one another. He felt the gathering is a testament to what this community is all about. The CRC members gave special thanks to Rabbi Carl Wolkin, Rabbi Aaron Melman, and their congregation at Beth Shalom for putting together this special event. News from Schools  Dist. 225 is making progress towards having a new turf field at GBN next year. GBS already has a turf field and sees its benefits.  GBN Winter sports have started.  GBN Winter Musical is –Dec. 13-15. There is a great cast, including Ryan Goldsher.  GBN Winter Concert is Dec. 18. All students involved are spectacular.  Chicago Magazine named GBN as one of the top 20 high schools in Suburban Cook County.  Chicago Tribune named School Dist. 225 as one of the top 100 places to work in Illinois.  Chicago Magazine named 3 Northbrook elementary schools in the top 20 list. Maple Middle School is13th. 2   Dist. 30 Supt. Tivador is interested in participating in our Asian Heritage event in 2013. Those living in that district should contact the school to help collaborate with them on this project. Old Business There was no old business to report. New Business a. Open Meeting Training: http://foia.ilattorneygeneral.net/electronic foia training.aspx register as “OMA Public Body Members”) Chair Wehr attended a session regarding the open meeting training that the appointed and designated members of commissions need to complete. In keeping with the standards of this commission and Chair Wehr’s view of the CRC representatives, it would be great if everyone on the commission would comply with this request to complete the training. Upon completion of the training, please provide Village Clerk Debbie Ford with a copy of the Certificate of Compliance. The deadline is December 31, 2012 to complete the test. Eyes & Ears on the Street  Recap of safety precautions to take during the holiday season—ATM machine theft and stolen purses were mentioned. Next Meeting – January 3, 2013 The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 3, 2013. Everyone was wished a joyous holiday season. Adjournment At 7:55 p.m., Member Gertz made a motion to adjourn, and it was seconded by Member Lozaro. On voice vote, the motion passed. Respectfully Submitted, /s/LeeAnn Artstein Recording Secretary 3